People with disabilities have a right to work and have the rights to enjoy equal rights and opportunities to participate in economic, social and cultural life; have choice over how they live their lives; and are enabled to reach their full potential.

The Equality Employment Acts 1998-2015 prohibit discrimination under nine grounds in employment, including vocational training and work experience.

Employers may not discriminate against employees or potential employees on the basis of any of the nine grounds, including disability. In the Employment Equality Acts the definition of discrimination focuses on whether a person has been treated less favourably in the workplace than another person in a similar situation on any of the nine grounds, including disability.